Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-11-10

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some people say that in the digital age, theatres and cinemas are no longer important as people can watch all the entertainment they want online. Others argue that theatres and cinemas are still important both economically and culturally.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 5.5)

In this contemporary era, there has been an increase in the number of individuals dumping theatres and cinemas preferring using internet tools for entertainment. While some societal segments argue that cinemas and theatre spaces are good for the economy and cultural purposes, others are of the opinion that they are not easily accessible and expensive. I believe that cinemas and theatres should be closed since thier purpose is no longer necessary.

On the one hand, there is a valid argument for prioritizing cinemas and theatres. Proponents of this idea argue that they are important for business and reserving culture. Individuals pay money when they visit those areas and there are also some shops in operation due to their presence. In Zimbabwe most of the cinemas have been closed due to prevailing changes taking place in the entertainment industry. Even those in the filming industry are now finding it hard to get rewarded on their scripts. Additionally, most actors who do display in theatres reflect on the culture of respective societies. In Zimbabwe traditional arts perfomances are done in theatres. Neglecting theatres mightl definately lead to the disappearing of our culture.

However culture is dynamic, the above factors can not be used block getting intertainment online. Online entertainment is convenient, besides being cheap and using a smartphone or tv a person can watch any movie at any given time as long as they are connected. In Zimbabwe, people use to travel some distance to watch movies. Furthermore, more people now have access to entertainment, even those in rural areas. Economically, the intertnet service providers such as econet are expanding and artist can also benefit if they get more views online. Therefore online entertainment is not that detrimental to the economy.

In conclusion, although the intervention of online entertainment affect the culture, it has more merits. The filming industry should find ways to incorparate culture in the new set-up.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You address both views and give a clear opinion: the first body paragraph explains economic and cultural reasons to retain venues, while the second supports online entertainment, and the conclusion favours adapting to the online model. The Zimbabwe examples make the discussion relevant, particularly the role of theatres in traditional performances. However, the case for keeping cinemas and theatres is less fully developed than the case for online access. For instance, you mention shops and artists’ earnings but do not explain in detail how venues contribute economically or why their cultural role cannot be preserved online. Your position that venues “should be closed” is also stronger than the more qualified conclusion that the industry should incorporate culture into a new set-up. Clarifying this position and extending the less-developed arguments would make the response more complete.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, separate paragraphs for the two views, and a conclusion. “On the one hand” and “However” help signal the shift between arguments, and the ideas generally follow a sensible order. At times, though, connections between points are abrupt or unclear. The sentence about Zimbabwean cinemas closing is followed by a point about film workers’ rewards without explaining the relationship, and “the above factors” requires the reader to infer which factors are meant. Some linking is also mechanical, with “Additionally,” “Furthermore,” and “Therefore” introducing points rather than showing their precise logical relationship. Use clearer references and explain how each example supports the paragraph’s main claim; this would create smoother progression.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use a reasonable range of topic vocabulary, including “prevailing changes,” “traditional arts performances,” “entertainment industry,” and “access to entertainment.” These choices help communicate the main ideas, and the meaning is generally understandable. However, several word choices and collocations are inaccurate or unnatural, such as “reserving culture,” “display in theatres,” and “getting intertainment online.” Spelling errors—including “thier,” “perfomances,” and “definately”—also reduce accuracy. Some phrases are vague, for example “good for the economy” and “more merits,” where more precise language would strengthen the argument. Aim to learn common collocations for discussing cultural preservation, employment, and accessibility, and proofread carefully for spelling and word forms.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and complex sentence forms, including a contrast clause beginning “While some societal segments argue…” and a conditional phrase about watching films “as long as they are connected.” Most sentences communicate their intended meaning, showing some control of a range of structures. There are nevertheless errors in verb forms, agreement, and sentence construction. For example, “the intervention of online entertainment affect the culture” needs subject–verb agreement, while “artist can also benefit” needs a plural subject or an appropriate article. In “besides being cheap and using a smartphone or tv,” the grammatical relationship between the ideas is unclear. Review agreement and parallel structure, and check that clauses are complete and logically connected. More consistently accurate complex sentences would improve control.

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